In the region of Vidarbha, there have been remarkable contributors to the world of Indian classical dance whose origins and journeys demand attention. This article presents two distinguished figures from Vidarbha who have achieved recognition in the field of Kathak. Both have strong ties to Nagpur and have developed careers that extend well beyond their birthplace.

Their stories reflect dedication, training, and sustained contribution to classical artistry. By focusing solely on their facts and achievements, the article offers insight into how talent from Vidarbha has made its way into the national and international domains. Readers will gain a clear understanding of these individuals’ training, career milestones and impact without any embellishment or opinion.

1. Dr Kumkum Dhar

Dr Kumkum Dhar was born on 4 February 1956 in Nagpur, Maharashtra. She later moved to Lucknow for her advanced training in Kathak under Guru Lachhu Maharaj of the Lucknow gharana. Dhar completed a Bachelor of Arts in 1974 and a Master of Arts in 1976 from Lucknow University. In addition, she holds a Sangeet Visharad degree in music and a doctorate in Economics.

Her Kathak journey began in 1972, and she has regularly performed solo shows in India and abroad, including the USA, UK, Egypt, Kuwait, Mexico, Guatemala and Bangladesh. Dhar served on the faculty of the Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow and held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Dance before becoming Vice-Chancellor of the same institution.

Among her honours, she received the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1994, the Yash Bharati in 2015 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2020 for Kathak. Dhar has trained over 500 disciples under the traditional guru-shishya system. Her strength is noted as encompassing both Tandava (vigorous or masculine) and Lasya (soft or feminine) modes of Kathak. Through this wide set of credentials, Kumkum Dhar emerges as a figure from Vidarbha whose work spans teaching, performance and institutional leadership within Kathak.

2. Gauri Jog

Gauri Jog was born in 1970 in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Her initial Kathak training began under Guru Madan Pande of the Lucknow gharana, and she later studied under Lalita Hardas of the Jaipur gharana focusing on abhinaya, or expression. Jog also received training from Madhurita Sarang in Mumbai. She attained her Visharad from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Mumbai in 1988, and meanwhile, she completed a Bachelor of Science and Nutrition and a Master’s in Education from the University of Nagpur. Beginning dance training at age five, she gave her first performance at age seven in Nagpur.

She relocated to the United States and established a dance school in the Chicago area, where she has taught and choreographed extensively. Her repertoire includes works such as Krishna Leela, Shakuntala, Jhansi Ki Rani, Kathak Yatra and East Meets West. Since 1999, she and her group have performed more than 325 dance shows in North America and India. Gauri Jog’s training in both major gharanas, Lucknow and Jaipur, and her international performance and teaching profile mark her as a key dance figure emerging from Vidarbha.

The lives of these two classical dancers from Vidarbha illustrate the depth of talent that originates in the region and goes on to make meaningful contributions at national and global levels. Their discipline, training, institutional roles and creative output reflect a strong commitment to the art of Kathak rather than simply regional pride. By examining their journeys and achievements, we can recognise the pathways through which artists from Nagpur and the broader Vidarbha region connect to the broader cultural world.

Their work remains grounded in traditional techniques even as it engages with international audiences and education. The article has focused on documented facts of their careers, training, awards, and geographic origins without advocating or prescribing change. The presence of two such figures strengthens the visibility of Vidarbha in India’s classical dance landscape.